![]() 117.) He estimates the probability that human civilization ends via extinction or collapse during this century at 1% or greater, which he suggests is actually high given the severity of that outcome and merits more focus than we give it. “Reducing the likelihood and severity of the next world war is one of the most important ways we can safeguard civilization this century,” MacAskill also writes. And he urges particular attention to areas including the development of artificial intelligence and the use of biotechnology to engineer dangerous pathogens, where he believes we today have an opportunity to institute better protections before the risks to humanity increase. ![]() 9) Forestalling climate change and preventing nuclear war are two clear examples where our actions can improve the fates of our descendants.īut MacAskill argues that we’re at a unique moment of accelerated change in the history of humanity. We can make their lives go better,” writes MacAskill (p. Such thinking is at the core of a new book called What We Owe the Future by William MacAskill, an associate professor in philosophy at the University of Oxford and leader of the effective altruism movement, which is focused on how you can help others as much as possible with your time and money. The Native-American “ seventh-generation” approach to decision making is a great example: will a choice be to the benefit of the seventh generation down the line? The idea that we have a responsibility to consider those who come after us is embedded in many cultures and philosophies. You can always reach out to us at with any questions. (You can always easily unsubscribe.) If you are a subscriber, this will just verify your email address. If you’re not already subscribed to our free email newsletter with more content like this, this will sign you up for it.
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